Another added: “Is it true that we need to turn off our phones when the eclipse happens."

And a third tweeted: "Cosmic rays will pass close to Earth. So please turn off your cell phone. Do not leave your device close to your body.”

Fortunately, the warning is only a hoax – and appears to have been an ongoing online joke for years.

DS/NC

THREAT: People have been left fearing the worst

According to news-verifying website Snopes, the hoax has been around since at least 2014.

In its verdict, it reads: "In terms of health effects to humans on the ground, this background cosmic radiation, similar to the solar radiation, poses no immediate harm and cannot be considered a health risk only unless you are chronically exposed to higher radiation levels in polar regions, according to NOAA:

"Because this identical warning has been online for years, and because neither interpretation of the warning’s text makes scientific sense, we rank this claim false."

AFP

FULL MOON: The total solar eclipse will be seen in the USA, but not in the UK

Some recipients of the message were quick to see that the warning was a hoax.

One online user wrote: “I just can't. This is some of the stupidest stuff I get sent via DM. If cosmic rays came down, I'd be too dead to notice my phone broke.

And a second added: "Someone posted that you need to turn your phone off and put it away from you because of " cosmic rays " tonight. nooo this is nonsense”

REUTERS

ECLIPSE: Stargazers across the globe are getting ready for the space phenomenon